As early as 3000 BC massage was used as part of the health procedures in many ancient civilizations. and in the Middle and Far East possibly even longer. It is probably the oldest therapy known to man, instintively we will rub an area when it is hurting or sore.
The 'Father of Medicine', Hippocrates, used to reccommend an oiled massage every day for his patients.
To allow the hands to move over the body with ease masseurs will use oils no matter which form of massage they use, essential oils are sometimes used after being mixed with a carrier oil.
Scientists have shown that essential oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles. These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally.
In the 19th century it became increasingly popular especially in Europe, but of course was limited to the health spas that were patronised only by wealthy people, the poor simply could not afford it.
As massage became more and more popular, 'Western types' began to be developed. The most famous of these is probably Swedish massage which was developed by Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling, although he still used ancient massage principles.
It was not until well into the 20th century that massage became really popular with the ordinary people of the Western world. An American called George Downing published a book in the early 1970s simply called The Massage Book. This wasn't just a book on massage, but a book that showed massage therapy in a way that took into account a persons whole body.
Complementary therapists look at the body holistically, that is they look at the mind, body and spirit when treating a person. This is exactly the way that Hippocrates worked all those years ago, healing had come the full circle.
One very good way to rid the body of accumulated waste and toxins is to have a deep massage, this gets the blood and lymphatic circulation working really well. As well as working on the physical level, massage also works on the mind and spirit by relaxing the physical body, the mind and spirit can also be relaxed.
As massage relaxes the muscles and releases tension from the body, the person is able to relax and let go of all the stresses of everyday life. This in its self is a hugh benefit to the body, as endorphins are released creating the feel good factor, the persons spirit is lifted and they feel wonderful.
It is believed, particularly in the traditional medicines of China and India that energy flows through meridian lines all through the human body. Stress can cause a blockage of this energy and massages may be given to allow the energy to once again move freely round the body. It has to be said that western medicines does not recognise the existence of these meridian lines.
The majority of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients. Although it has taken a while for this to happen, as massage therapy had been on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time.
Although hospital do now use massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients it's usage is somewhat limited. The uses range from stress relief, management of chronis pain, and easing joint and muscle problems for greater mobility.
According to some research massage therapy used on a regular basis can help to boost the immune system, help to lower high blood pressure and give relief in the management of pain.
This very versatile form of treatment is now available to far more of the general public. By incorporating massage into main stream medicine Dr's in hospitals are now able to treat high blood pressure, joint and muscle problems and stress with massage as part of the treatment programme. As time goes by more and more people with a variety of different conditions are found to benefit from massage.
The 'Father of Medicine', Hippocrates, used to reccommend an oiled massage every day for his patients.
To allow the hands to move over the body with ease masseurs will use oils no matter which form of massage they use, essential oils are sometimes used after being mixed with a carrier oil.
Scientists have shown that essential oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles. These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally.
In the 19th century it became increasingly popular especially in Europe, but of course was limited to the health spas that were patronised only by wealthy people, the poor simply could not afford it.
As massage became more and more popular, 'Western types' began to be developed. The most famous of these is probably Swedish massage which was developed by Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling, although he still used ancient massage principles.
It was not until well into the 20th century that massage became really popular with the ordinary people of the Western world. An American called George Downing published a book in the early 1970s simply called The Massage Book. This wasn't just a book on massage, but a book that showed massage therapy in a way that took into account a persons whole body.
Complementary therapists look at the body holistically, that is they look at the mind, body and spirit when treating a person. This is exactly the way that Hippocrates worked all those years ago, healing had come the full circle.
One very good way to rid the body of accumulated waste and toxins is to have a deep massage, this gets the blood and lymphatic circulation working really well. As well as working on the physical level, massage also works on the mind and spirit by relaxing the physical body, the mind and spirit can also be relaxed.
As massage relaxes the muscles and releases tension from the body, the person is able to relax and let go of all the stresses of everyday life. This in its self is a hugh benefit to the body, as endorphins are released creating the feel good factor, the persons spirit is lifted and they feel wonderful.
It is believed, particularly in the traditional medicines of China and India that energy flows through meridian lines all through the human body. Stress can cause a blockage of this energy and massages may be given to allow the energy to once again move freely round the body. It has to be said that western medicines does not recognise the existence of these meridian lines.
The majority of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients. Although it has taken a while for this to happen, as massage therapy had been on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time.
Although hospital do now use massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients it's usage is somewhat limited. The uses range from stress relief, management of chronis pain, and easing joint and muscle problems for greater mobility.
According to some research massage therapy used on a regular basis can help to boost the immune system, help to lower high blood pressure and give relief in the management of pain.
This very versatile form of treatment is now available to far more of the general public. By incorporating massage into main stream medicine Dr's in hospitals are now able to treat high blood pressure, joint and muscle problems and stress with massage as part of the treatment programme. As time goes by more and more people with a variety of different conditions are found to benefit from massage.
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